Lucknow: The upcoming election to 10 Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh has intensified political discussions after the Samajwadi Party (SP) announced Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani as its candidates, while keeping its third candidate under wraps.
The Uttar Pradesh Assembly has an effective strength of 397, with 37 first-preference votes required to win a Rajya Sabha seat. The SP has 101 MLAs and, with support from two Congress MLAs, the opposition bloc has 103 votes. After securing two seats, 29 votes would remain, leaving a shortfall of eight votes for a third seat.
The BJP-led alliance is reported to have 289 MLAs, giving it a numerical advantage in the contest. The final outcome will therefore depend significantly on additional support and alliance coordination.
Nathwani, associated with Reliance Industries and formerly president of the Gujarat Cricket Association, brings a corporate and sports-administration background. The SP’s third candidate is yet to be announced, with speculation surrounding a possible Dalit face.
The nomination deadline is October 6, while polling is scheduled for October 16.
